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Gardenhire to rejoin Twins mid-game

Gardenhire to rejoin Twins mid-game

CHICAGO -- Due to some flight delays caused by bad weather, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was not expected to arrive at U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday night until sometime mid-game.

Gardenhire, who was flying out of Tulsa, Okla., has been absent from the team since Friday due to the unexpected passing of his oldest brother, Mike. The Twins' skipper traveled to his hometown of Okmulgee, Okla., on Friday to be with his family during this difficult time and planned to rejoin the team following the funeral, which took place Tuesday.

The Twins' coaching staff, including acting manager Scott Ullger, has been in contact with Gardenhire over the past few days. They acknowledge that it's been a difficult time for the manager, but are looking forward to having him back with the team.

One person who was also eager to see Gardenhire and share his condolences was White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.

"I talked to his coaches last night," Guillen said. "It's something you don't want to deal with, especially when you lose a big part of your family during the season. It's hard for him to come here and smile with the players when you know deep inside you are hurting.

"He's one of the guys I admire the most in this game. He's one of the guys I respect most in this game. I love the way he manages. I love the way he treats people. I will talk to him when he gets here."

Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.